2018
The Alberni Valley’s
Message from the Board Chair
Table of Contents
Once again, I am proud to serve on the board of the Alberni Valley Community Foundation, and proud to share our 2018 Vital Signs® report with the community. In the three years since we released our first report, we have seen significant changes within the Alberni Valley. Issues that are impacting larger urban centres have cropped up here, too – indeed, the opioid crisis, the need for adequate and affordable housing for all, and increased crime have all made themselves known in the Alberni Valley. At the same time, important work has been done in the arenas of poverty reduction, reconciliation, and sustainability. It can be difficult to make sense of the changes in our community and in our world. Much of how we perceive the world is informed by the way an issue affects us or our loved ones, or what we read on social media. Vital Signs® presents an alternative. Alongside community perceptions and opinions are indicators – discrete data points that allow us to track change over time. We hope that the information in this report adds to your knowledge about the Alberni Valley, and we hope that the data are used to inform planning and decision making in our community.
About the Vital Signs® Program
3
Sustainable Development Goals & Report Highlights
4
Our Valley
5
Arts & Culture
6
Belonging & Leadership
7
Children & Youth
8
Environment
9
Food
10
Getting Started
11
Vital Signs team
Health & Wellness
12
Alberni Valley Community Foundation board members:
Housing
14
Income Gawp
16
Learning
17
Recreation
18
Safety
19
Research Facilitator: Maggie Hodge Kwan
Seniors
20
The Alberni Valley Community Foundation would like to acknowledge that the geographical scope of this report is within the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht people.
Work & Economy
21
Sources
22
About the AVCF
23
Hugh Grist, Board Chair Alberni Valley Community Foundation
Hugh Grist Chair
John Mayba
Olga Tardif Secretary
Peggy Hartman Treasurer
Gillian Trumper
Ken Watson
Dave Jarrett
2
Robert Gunn
About The VitalSigns® Program Vital Signs® is a community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada. It measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends, and supports action on issues that are critical to our quality of life. For more information, please visit www.communityfoundations.ca/vitalsigns.
Why a VitalSigns® report?
What is the Alberni Valley?
By compiling local information and tracking it over time, we will deepen our community knowledge and provide a valuable tool for our foundation, residents, elected officials, and other community groups, giving us a basis from which to develop innovative ideas that build a stronger Alberni Valley.
For the purposes of this report, the Alberni Valley is defined as the City of Port Alberni, Alberni Clayoquot Regional District electoral areas B (Beaufort), D (Sproat Lake), E (Beaver Creek), and F (Cherry Creek), and the Tsahaheh 1, Ahahswinis 1, Alberni 1, and Klehkoot 2 reservations. All efforts have been made to obtain data for this geographic area, but occasionally different geographic areas are measured. This will be noted.
How is the report organized?
Community Foundations of Canada
The Vital Signs® report examines quality of life through a number of different lenses, or issue areas. In addition to the twelve issue areas we reported on in 2015, we have added two more: Food and Recreation. We are committed to monitoring and reporting on issues that impact life for all in our community. In each issue area, several indicators are presented. Indicators act as measurement tools, demonstrating how the Alberni Valley has changed over time. Where possible, we have offered comparisons to historical data, other communities, and provincial and/or national statistics.
The Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) oversees the development of all 191 community foundations across Canada. CFC also coordinates the Vital Signs® program, and provides some of the data included in this report.
Data and Indicators
Indicator Selection
Data
Indicators were selected and prioritized based on the following guidelines:
Some of the data within this report was collected by CFCs data partner, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Where possible, it has been verified by local experts in each issue area. Additional information was provided by local agencies and organizations. All data sources are
Indicator Characteristics
Data Selection
• Perceived public interest (informed by community survey and consultations)
• Understandable
listed on page 22.
Note: Due to data limitations, some indicators included in the 2015 report have not been updated in the 2018 report.
• Measureable • Ease of collection
• Indicator’s ability to inspire action
• Currency
• Indicator reports on an issue or trend that community members can do something about
• Frequency of collection in future
• Indicator reveals a strength or weakness of the Alberni Valley
3
Community Survey Throughout May, we ran a survey to better understand how local residents feel about the pressing issues in our community. In total, 498 community members participated in the survey. The demographics of survey respondents were closely aligned to the demographics of the Alberni Valley. The survey is statistically valid, but survey responses are presented under the heading “Community Voices” and not with the indicator data.
The AVCF and the Sustainable Report Development Goals Highlights Like many community foundations, the Alberni Valley Community Foundation supports the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals, or Global Goals, were created and ratified by all United Nations member countries in 2015, with the intention of putting the world on a more resilient and sustainable path by 2030. More information about the goals is available at sustainabledevelopment.un.org.
Our Valley - Page 5 While our total population is relatively unchanged, demographic shifts have taken place since 2015. Our Aboriginal population is young and growing, while our population as a whole is growing older. Our median age has risen by 5 years over the last decade.
The grants that we give in the Alberni Valley support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Three recent projects are highlighted below.
In 2018, our grant contributed to the purchase of a pump for the Hupacasath First Nation community farm. The community farm not only grows produce, but supports the development of life and employment skills. SDG 2, Zero Hunger, and SDG 8, Decent Work, are both impacted by this project.
In 2017, we supported the Alberni Valley Community Stakeholders Initiative to End Homelessness in implementing their strategic plan, “Still At Home in the Alberni Valley.� The plan is in favour of appropriate and affordable housing for all. This work is linked to SDGs 10 and 11, Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Housing - Pages 14 & 15 Housing has emerged as a critical issue, with house prices rising quickly and half of renters paying so much for housing that they are at risk of homelessness. Income Gap - Page 16 Poverty remains an issue, as the Alberni Valley experiences a higher rate of poverty than the provincial average. Child poverty is an especially prominent concern. Belonging & Leadership - Page 7
In 2016, a grant to the Bread of Life helped the organization to renovate the kitchen. The work of the Bread of Life contributes to SDG 2, Zero Hunger.
4
Our community demonstrates its heart through civic engagement – voting, donating, volunteering, and supporting the many non-profits that make the Alberni Valley such a caring community.
Our Valley 5.6%
25,112 Population The population of the Alberni Valley was nearly unchanged between 2011 and 2016. Census data shows a population of 25,112 people. Neighbouring regional districts including Nanaimo Regional District and the Comox Valley Regional District grew by 6.2% and 4.7%, respectively, while the provincial population increased by 5.6%.1,2
British Columbia
4.7% Comox Valley
Nanaimo District
Alberni Valley
6.2%
Growth 2011–2016
49.6 Median age
50
The median age in the Alberni Valley continues to rise, up from 45 in 2006, to 47.3 in 2011, and to 49.6 in 2016. 45 Our community is older than the provincial median (43.0) and the national median (41.2).1,2
16.8% Alberni Valley
BC 5.9%
Employment – top industries1 Sales and service Trades, transport, and equipment operators
2006
2011 2016
More than 4000 Alberni Valley residents, or 16.8% of the total population, identify as Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis, or Inuit). This is an increase of 3.5 percentage points since 2011, indicating that the Aboriginal population is young and growing. In British Columbia, 5.9% of the population identifies as Aboriginal.1,2
Canada
BC
$49,609 Median income of household, after tax
2011
British Columbia 23.6% 24.5%
20.3% 14.9% Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services 11.9% 11.1% Business, finance, and administration occupations 10.8% 15.3% Management occupations 8.4% 11.3% Health occupations 8% 6.7% Natural resources and agriculture 6% 2.6% Manufacturing and utilities 5.7% 3.2% Natural and applied sciences 2.8% 6.7% Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport 2.5% 3.8%
16.8% Aboriginal identity
In 2016, Alberni Valley households reported a median income of $49,609, after taxes were deducted. This is an increase over 2011 ($43,619). In both instances, the Alberni Valley lags behind the province – in 2016, the provincial median was $61,280. Nationally, households reported an after-tax income of $61,348.1,2
Alberni Valley
2016
5
9%
20
9%
20
Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Arts & Culture 4.7%
1.4%
21-30
31+
4.7%
% 1.31.4%
21-30
31+
Arts & Culture
Education in the arts
65.1+17.7+17.2
Just over one in one hundred adults ages 25-64 in the Alberni Valley have post-secondary training in the arts (visual or performing). of people ages 25-64 1.3%% Across the1province, 2.1%65.1+17.7+17.2 2.5 65.1+17.7+17.2 have an arts education. 65.5% 65.5%
65.1+17.7+17.2
2.5%
15.5% Employment in cultural occupations 12.9% 4.7% 1.4% The proportion15.5% of residents working 12.9% in arts, culture, recreation, 0 not 1-10 11-20 21-304.7% 31+ and sports has changed since65.5% 2015. This is1.4% lower than the provincial rate of 3.8% and the national rate of 3.1%.1
1.3+98.7
0
1-10
11-20
65.5%15.5%
21-30
31+
1.3%
1-10
12.9% % 1.3 0 4.7%
7,506 Registered library borrowers 0 1-10 11-20
1.3+98.7 15.5% A total of 7,506 people, or 29.9% of the population
21-30
3 Community Voices 65.1+17.7+17.2
Arts & Culture 65.1+17.7+17.2
1.4%
31+ 1-10 11-20
2.5%65.5% in the Alberni 15.5% Valley, have a library 12.9% card. In 2017, 12.9% % 21-40 4.7% 102,108 visits to the Port Alberni branch were 1.4% % 0 1.3 2.5 4.7% recorded, or an average of 4 visits per resident.4 31 + 0 1-10 11-20 21-30 31+ 1.4% 15.5%
65.1+17.7+17.2 65.1+17.7+17.2
I can afford to participate in local arts and culture events.
65.1% Strongly agree and agree 17.7% Neutral 65.1+17.7+17.2 17.2% Disagree and strongly disagree
11-20
$30,000
65.5% 12.9% 21-40 1.3% % 4.7% 2.5 Canada Council for the Arts grants 1.4%
65.1+17.7+17.2 many local arts and 65.1+17.7+17.2How culture events have you 65.5%
31 +
attended in the last 12 months?
National arts and council grants are awarded each year to support local arts initiatives. In 2017, Alberni Valley artists were 1.3+98.7 % awarded two grants. Prior to this, no Canada Council for the Arts 2.5 5 grants have been awarded in Alberni since 2012. 1.3+98.7
15.5%
65.1+17.7+17.212.9% 1-10
0
6
1-10
15.5%
0
11-20 0
4.7%
1.4%
21-30
31+
1-10
11-20
%
Belonging Wor Belonging & Leadership Belonging W onging Work & Belonging Wor Power of people 35
71.7%
% 16.6 2.5%
Sense of community belonging
71.7%
% 16.6 2.5%
65.1%
16.1+18.4+65.5 % 76.6
16.6 2.5%
65.1%
At 76.6% voter turnout in the 2015 federal election, the Courtenay-Alberni riding had one of the highest rates in the province. Nationally, 68.5% of eligible voters turned up at the polls. In 2011, 61.1% of eligible voters cast their ballot.10
76.6%
Percentage of tax filers making charitable donations
100+ Women Who Care Alberni
71.7 16.6 % Tax filer data from 2016 indicates that 16.6% of Alberni Valley 2.5 residents made a charitable donation. This compares to 19.5% of British Columbia residents and 20.5% of all Canadians. In the % Valley, the median amount donated was $270.8 Alberni 76.6 %
65.1%
Single fa
Voter turnout – federal
Nearly three-quarters of Central Vancouver Island residents, which % reported a strong or % somewhat strong includes the Alberni Valley, 71.7 16.6 % 2.5 sense of community belonging in 2015-2016, a decrease of slightly % seven percentage more 65.1than 76.6% points since 2013-2014. Provincially, 71.6% of residents feel they belong, compared to 68.4% nationally.6
%
20
%
The Alberni Valley has a long reputation as the “community with a heart,” and the local chapter of the 100 Women Who Care initiative cements that status. Communities across North America have created 100 Women Who Care groups, asking 100 women to gather quarterly to award $100 each — or $10,000 total – to a worthy local non-profit. This allows for charitably-minded women to gather, quickly learn about local charities in the Alberni Valley, and make a big impact with their combined donation. But they haven’t stopped at 100 – at last count, the 100+ Women That Care Alberni was just over 200 members. For more information, visit www.100womenalberni.com.
76.6%
Voter turnout – provincial
The 2017 provincial election saw increased voter turnout over the 2013 election. Provincially, 61% of registered voters took to the polls in 2017, compared to 57% in 2013. The Mid-Island Pacific Rim riding, of which the Alberni Valley is a part, had a higher than average turnout of 65.1%.9
80 Number of registered non-profits There are 80 registered non-profits in the Alberni Valley, or roughly one charitable organization per 314 residents. In 2015, there were 79 registered non-profits.7 7
% 32%
Children & Youth Children & Youth Children & Youth 32%
29.5
There are more than 5000 children and youth 19 years and 81.3+18.7 younger in the Alberni Valley. Children and youth comprise 20.3% of the population. Provincially, 20.4% of residents are under 19 years of age. Across Canada, 22.4% of the population is under 19 years old.1
32%
32
29.5%
Youth
32% 81.3%
62%
50
37
20
% 32%
62% 69% 81.3% Youth self-rated mental health 62%
29.5 69%
Vulnerability rate
When asked to rate their mental 16.1+18.4+65.5 health, 81.3% of youth in Central
The latest Early Development Instrument (EDI) data intimates that the vulnerability rate has increased, from 30% in 2011-2013 to 32% in 2013-2016. An examination of a child’s first five years 81.3+18.7 across five domains (physical health and well-being, social 81.3+18.7 emotional maturity, language and cognition, and competence, communication) demonstrates that, without additional support, 32% of our youngest children may experience further challenges in both education and society.12
69%
Child poverty rate
69%
In the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, which includes the Alberni Valley, 29.5% of children and youth ages 0-17 years old live in a low-income family. Within city limits, 33.7% of children and youth live in a low-income family. This is the highest municipal child poverty rate in the province. In British Columbia, one in five, or 20% of children and youth live in poverty.11 35
5,095 Number of children and youth
%
81.3%
Single family
Vancouver Island, which includes the Alberni Valley, chose “very good” or “excellent,” a slight increase over the provincial average of 79.1% and the national average of 77.6%.6
Power of Philanthropy
62% Adults in the community
STARS Program
“Skills That Achieve Readiness for School,” or STARS, is a program developed by Outreach Therapy. Outreach Therapy has long provided group intervention services to young children, but needed a way to reach more children to share foundational fine and gross motor, cognitive, sensory, social and emotional skills to support school readiness. Thus, STARS was born! The STARS curriculum is now offered in preschools and childcare centres throughout the Valley and on the west coast. Through play, children’s coordination is developed, alongside their social skills and self-confidence. This program is made possible thanks to a number of funders, and the Alberni Valley Community Foundation is proud to support it.
The Middle Years Development Instrument asks students in Grade 4 and Grade 7 to reflect on their experiences at school, at home, and in the community. One of the questions queries connectedness, and asks Grade 4 and 7 students to assess the quality of the relationships they have with adults in their neighbourhood or community. On this scale, 69% of Grade 4 students are thriving, or experiencing high well-being, and 62% of Grade 7 students are as well. Both responses exceed the provincial average.13 8
Power of people
Environment 9.9ug/m
3
Cycling to School
Many local organizations came together to secure funding to purchase a fleet of bikes that are used to teach Wood Elementary School students cycling skills that may support them in cycling for health and leisure and, as they get older, to support bicycle commuting. 125 students participated in the Bike to School program, cycling 1-2 times per week for 6 weeks. In total, 200 students participated in some sort of cycling program. Teachers reported that students who participated in the cycling program had increased attention in class, and demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills. Cycling also supports mental and physical health.
Air quality
One measure for air quality is concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). Fine particulate matter is a public health risk, causing lung and heart problems. Canada’s Ambient Air Quality annual standard for PM2.5 is 10.0ug/m3, or 10.0 micrograms per cubic metre. In 2017, the Alberni Valley’s annual average was 9.9ug/m3, as measured at the Alberni Elementary weather station.14
530L Daily water consumption per capita
Environment
Metered water usage in the Alberni Valley is provided by the City of Port Alberni, Beaver Creek Water System, and the Cherry Creek Waterworks District. Daily average water consumption per capita was 530 litres in 2017, an increase over 2014’s daily per capita average of 449.7 litres.15,16,17
Environment
Community Voices3 The Alberni Valley has adequate options for getting around, including public transportation and active transportation.
75.7kg Household recycling
The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District collects household recycling from residents living in the City of Port Alberni, Beaver Creek, Tseshaht, and Hupacasath. In 2014, each household in these communities averaged 81kg of recycling per year. In 2017, the household average decreased to 75.7kg per household.16
34.8% Strongly agree and agree 35.6% Neutral 29.6% Disagree and strongly disagree
2,069mm Average annual precipitation
Our natural resources (air, water sources, forests) are well managed.
In 2016, the most recent year with comprehensive weather reports, 2,069mm of precipitation fell in the Alberni Valley. This was an increase over 2014 (1,781mm), and higher than the 10 year average of 1,796.3mm.14
26.7% Strongly agree and agree 26.7% Neutral 46.6% Disagree and strongly disagree
34.8+35.6+29.6 9
d
Food
36 Number of1.7farms producing and selling food % 50.4%
Senio
There are 36 food producing farms in the Alberni Valley producing 50.4+91fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, grains, and more. Of these,2030 sell their goods on-site, by appointment, and/or with set hours.
$1029 Cost of healthy eating The Provincial Health Services Authority monitors the monthly cost of healthy eating for a family of four in BC. Their most recent report shows that a family living in Central Vancouver Island pays $1029 to eat healthy meals each month. This is an increase37 35 over 2015, when Central Vancouver Island families paid $983 each month. Similarly, the provincial cost of healthy eating has 20 risen from $974 in 2015 to $1019 in 2017.18
Free and subsidized meals consumed, 201721 ADSS Breakfast Club [2017-2018 school year]* Alberni Valley Community School Lunch Program** Alberni25 Valley Neighbourlink Society Read & Feed Bread of Life
72,000 42,625 25,862 33,000
Canadian Mental Health Association, Port Alberni branch 16,000 7
2
77%
16.1+18.4+65.5
6
2
4
3
EJ Dunn Backpack Program [2017-2018 school year]***
74%
Grace Point Church Downtown Hope
Single family
Renovations and Island Health Lunch Club Program additions
4,160
KUU-US Crisis Line Society****
4,076
Multi-family
Meals with adults at home
Jericho Road Mobile Outreach
77% of Grade 4 students and 74% of Grade 7 students in the Alberni Valley eat meals with their parents or adult family members 5 or more times per week. 15% of Grade 4 students and 14% of Grade 7 students eat 2 or fewer meals with parents or adult family members each week.19
Port Alberni Friendship Centre Port Alberni Shelter Society Salvation Army***** Vincent de Paul*** TOTAL
Power of Philanthropy
*With breakfast served for an hour before classes start and bagels, fruit and granola bars available at “grab ‘n go” stations throughout the school, ADSS students accessed food approximately 72,000 times in the 2017 – 2018 school year.
An innovative grant from Community Foundations of Canada and administered by the Alberni Valley Community Foundation is bringing greater coordination to the delivery of non-profit food services in the Alberni Valley. Through the Alberni Valley Transition Town Food Group, stakeholders will be brought together to develop a more cohesive method of food provision and distribution. Given the number of charitable organizations providing groceries or meals to those in need, identifying and creating efficiencies is essential. By supporting greater alignment in service delivery, we hope that our caring non-profits will have more time and energy to focus on the many other needs that they serve.
10
1,368 1,800 1,600 23,250 30,631 11,896 639 268,907
****Includes 1,074 meals and 3,002 food hampers provided during weekend outreach. ***** Includes 574 Christmas food hampers and 40 recipients of the baby formula program.
** There is a cost per meal and families are encouraged to pay what they feel they can afford.
Note: Canadian Mental Health Association also provides small food hampers to people in need, but a database error made 2017 statistics unavailable.
*** This is the number of food hampers/ grocery bags provided, not the total number of people fed by this program.
Our apologies if we have missed any of the free or subsidized food programs in the Valley. Every effort was made to be thorough.
Getting started Getting Started in Our Community Getting started
345 Net migration
50.4+91
Between 2015 and 2016, 345 more people moved to the Alberni Valley than left the Valley. These newcomers comprise 1.4% of the total population. When we last looked at this indicator, net migration was negative.1
37
35
ted
38 Languages spoken
25
20
New residents1 New residents, 2015
In addition to English and French, Alberni Valley residents speak 36 languages at home. The most frequently spoken non-official 1 languages are Punjabi, German, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish. 16.1+18.4+65.5
4.8%
9.0
2
70% From within the province Single family 25% From another Canadian province 4% From outside of Canada
Multi-fam
New residents, 2010 – 2014
Visible minority
78% From within the province 17.6% From another Canadian province 4.4% From outside of Canada
The proportion of residents that belong to a visible minority has increased from 3.5% in 2015 to 4.8% today. The largest visible minority groups in the Alberni Valley are South Asian and Chinese. Provincially, 30.3% of residents belong to a visible minority, up from 27.3% in 2014.1
34.8+35.6+29.6 Power of people
Note: Visible minority data does not include Aboriginal people.
47+37.5+15.5
The Alberni Valley has welcomed many newcomers in the last few years – mostly from within the province, but from across the country and internationally as well. A net increase in migration coupled with a significant increase in the visible minority population makes us ask: How can we welcome new residents to our community?
Community Voices3
If someone new moves onto my street, they 34.8+35.6+29.6 • Deepen personal connections by getting to know newcomer neighbours are welcomed into the neighbourhood. • Share helpful hints with new residents on your street, such as information about
4.8+95.2
47+37.5+15.5
local services like the post office, recreation facilities, hospital, and library
47% Strongly agree and agree 37.5% Neutral 15.5% Disagree and strongly disagree
• Ensure that new residents to the community know about local celebrations and events
11
4.8+95.2
Health & Wellness 79.02 Life expectancy
26 Number of general practitioners
Life expectancy, or the number of years a person can expect to live, is a key measure of wellness. Someone born in Local Health Area 70 (Alberni) in 2016 can reasonably expect to live to 79.02 years old. This is lower than the provincial life expectancy of 82.6 years, but an increase over 2014’s life expectancy of 78.67.24
There are 26 general practitioners serving the Alberni Valley, working from one of the medical, community, or walk-in clinics. This is a net positive increase of 4 physicians since 2014. Additionally, there are 10 specialist practitioners serving the area. Across Central Vancouver Island, which includes the Alberni Valley, 10.9% of the population was without a medical doctor in 2016, an increase over 2014’s 5.9%.26,6
10.1 Birth rate % 18.2% 14.8
Note: Central Vancouver Island includes Nanaimo, Oceanside, the Alberni Valley, and the West Coast.
18%
This is slightly higher than both the Island Health birth rate (8.4 per 100,000) and the provincial birth rate (9.6 per 100,000).25
65.4%
10 of 11 Chronic disease prevalence rate, higher than provincial average
Breastfeeding rate
Rates of chronic prevalent disease in Local Health Area 70 (Alberni) are higher than the provincial average in 10 categories: heart failure, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, asthma, hypertension, depression, and mood and anxiety disorders. The only disease that appears less frequently in Alberni than in the province is ischemic heart disease.25
At West Coast General Hospital, 65.4% of the 247 babies born in 2015/2016 were fed breast milk exclusively while in hospital. This is a decrease from 2013/2014, when 73.2% of babies born at WCGH were breastfed.22
300.7 Mood and anxiety disorders In Local Health Area 70 (Alberni), 300.7 per 1,000 residents have a diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder. This is lower than the Island Health rate of 302.4 per 1,000 residents, and higher than the provincial rate of 267.0 per 1,000 residents.25 12
Welness 14.4L
Average annual alcohol sales
Residents of Local Health Area 70 (Alberni) ages 19 years and older consume 14.4 litres of alcohol, or 835 standard drinks, per year. This is higher than both the Island Health consumption (10.9 litres, or 632 standard drinks) and provincial consumption (9.0 litres, or 522 standard drinks).23
18.2%
14.8%
18%
Perceived life stress
ath &Helath Welness & Welness In 2016, 18.2% of Central Vancouver 18.2% Island residents, which includes the Alberni % Valley, reported perceiving 65.4 that most days in their life were quite a bit or extremely stressful. This is a decrease from 2014, when 22.6%65.4% reported the same. Provincially, 19.7% of British Columbians report quite a bit or extremely stressful days.6
+35.6+29.6
14.8%
18%
Smoking rate
The smoking rate for the population 12 years and older in Central Vancouver Island has decreased every year since 2007-2008. The most recent rate, from 2015-2016, is 14.8%. Provincially, the rate is 14.1% and nationally it is 17.4%.6
18 Overdose deaths In 2016 and 2017, there were 18 overdose deaths in the Alberni Valley. In 2017, British Columbia saw 1,450 overdose deaths. Illicit fentanyl was detected (alone or in combination with other drugs) in 84% of overdose deaths in the province.27, 28
Community Voices3 In the Alberni Valley, there are adequate supports in place for promoting wellness.
I have the financial resources necessary to meet my current health care needs.
38.9% Strongly agree and agree 31.4% Neutral 29.7% Disagree and strongly disagree
70.0% Strongly agree and agree 11.3% Neutral 18.7% Disagree and strongly disagree
13
Housing
using
$294,900 Benchmark%home price % 26.7
13.1%
9.0%
50.4+91 15
35
2015
37
2016 2017
25
20 2
Single family
4
2
Multi-family 20
9.0%
26.7%
50.4+91
7
Renter households
9.0%
Median monthly shelter costs include mortgage or rent payments, electricity, heat, water, and other municipal services. In the Alberni Valley, homeowners pay a median monthly shelter cost of $701, while renters pay $749.1
3
2
25
26.7% 2
Proportion of units requiring major repair
Single family Multi-family Between 2011 and 2016, the proportion of Alberni Valley housing units requiring major repair decreased from 11.9% to 9.0%. Across the province, there has%also been a decrease, from % 1.7 1 1.7%in 2016.50.4 7.2% in 2011 to 6.3%
50.4+91
13.1%
$701, $749 Median monthly shelter costs
37 35 Renovations and additions
13.1%
26.7%
Of the 11,360 households in the Alberni Valley, 3,030 or 26.7% are renter households. This is a negligible increase, from 26.6% in 2011. The remainder are owned. Provincially, 31.8% of % % 50.4 1.7 households are renter households.1
109 New housing units by dwelling type
ng
5
9.0
The benchmark sale price of a single-family home in summer 2018 in the Alberni Valley was $294,900 – still the most affordable city on Vancouver Island, but $100,000 more than in summer 2015. On Vancouver Island, the average single-family home increased from $338,700 in summer 2015 to $507,700 in% 50.4 1.7% summer 2018.29
50.4+91 14
% 7 Proportion of homeowners spending more 13.1 4 3
than 30% of their income on housing
Renovations Households thatand spend more than 30% of their income on additions housing are at risk of homelessness. In the Alberni Valley, 13.1% of%homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on 50.4 housing, compared to 20.7% of homeowners in BC and 16.6% across Canada.1
7%
Community Voices Housing
50.4% Proportion of renters spending more than 30% of their income on housing
There is affordable housing for all income levels in the Alberni Valley.
Households that spend more than 30% of their income on housing are at risk of homelessness. Half of the rental households in the Alberni Valley spend more than 30% of their income on housing, compared to 43.4% of homeowners in BC and 40.0% across Canada.1
Housing
16.1% Strongly agree and agree 18.4% Neutral 65.5% Disagree and strongly disagree
12 Number of beds in emergency shelter
21.4% Strongly agree and agree 15.7% Neutral 50.4+91 % % 9.0 62.9% Disagree and strongly 26.7 disagree
16.1+18.4+65.5 16.1+18.4+65.5
147 Homeless count The Alberni Valley’s homeless population was counted in April 2018. Preliminary results demonstrate that there are at least 147 homeless in the % valley. Because the 2018 methodology 26.7% people 13.1 differed from the methodology used in the November 2016 homeless count, the results are not directly comparable.31
1.7%
50.4 Rental vacancy rate %
9.0%
The Alberni Valley has a variety of housing options to meet community needs.
7 The Port Alberni Shelter Society operates the emergency shelter 3 in the Alberni Valley. It has 12 beds year-round, and may offer 15 additional beds during periods of extreme weather (November novations and 1 – March 31 of each year).32 additions
%
3
35
3
20 20
13.1%
Single fa
Single
Homelessness is taken seriously in 37 % the Alberni Valley. 35
50.4%
1.7
21.1% Strongly agree and agree 20 50.4+91 23.7% Neutral 55.2% Disagree and strongly disagree
25
2
Power of Policy 37 35
16.1+18.4+65.5
Single family
Multi-family
The Alberni Valley will be the recipient of one 25 of many housing 20 investments currently being made across the province, as 30 units of supported housing and 5 shelter units (that can house up 7 to 4 individuals each) are constructed on 8th Avenue, near 4 the 3 2 2 existing Port Alberni Shelter Society site. Supported housing units offer 24/7 supports to residents, including life and employment Single family Multi-family Renovations and skills training and health and wellness services.
The rental vacancy rate in the Alberni Valley has decreased every year since 2011. It is currently 1.7%. British Columbia’s rental vacancy 16.1+18.4+65.5 rate is 1.3%, while Canada’s is 3.0%.30
additions
15
Governm transfers
10.0%
Canada Pension Plan and/or Quebec Pension Plan 26.5% Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
21.1%
35.5% Child Benefits
35.5%
or
20.3%
Government transfers
Income Gap Overall poverty rate
Canada Pension Plan and/or Quebec Pension Plan
10.0%
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
21.1%
Child Benefits
Alberni Valley 2011 British Columbia 2011
Getting star
Alberni Valley 2016 British Columbia 2016 After-tax income of households, by decile1
Income Sources for Population Aged 15 Alberni Valley 2011 Alberni Valley 2016 Years and Older1 65.7%
British Columbia 2011 Employment income
28.5%
Investment income
24.0%
Private retirement income
26.5%
Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement
30%
Market income
British Columbia 2016
parent families, after tax
The median income of Alberni Valley lone parent families has increased since 2014, when it was $30,400. The province’s median income of lone parent families (after tax) is $46,668 and the country’s is $48,856.1
Using the low-income measure, after-tax, 20.3% of Alberni Valley residents live % in poverty. This is an increase of two percentage points since 2013. In British 20.3 Columbia, the overall poverty rate is 15.5%, and in Canada, 14.2%. The national and provincial poverty rates have not changed significantly since 2013.1
6 2016
$37,632 Median income of lone
$17.56 Living wage
Alberni Valley 2016 British Columbia 2016
The living wage in the Alberni Valley has increased from $17.22 per hour in 2014 to $17.56 per hour in 2018. The living wage is the amount of money a family of two parents and two children needs to earn to provide for a bare bones quality of life. For comparison, the 2018 living wage in the Comox Valley is $16.59 and the Cowichan Valley is $19.05.33,34
British Columbia 2016
26.5% 35.5%
Market income
24.0%
-$ 39
21.8%
65.7% Employment income we are generating local Investment income Investment income As a community, 28.5% solutions to ensure that residents have 24.0% Private retirement income Private retirement income suitable work. 26.5% Old Age Security pension and Old Age Security pension and 8.7% Strongly agree and agree Guaranteed Income Suppleme Guaranteed Income Supplement 25.3% Neutral Canada Pension Plan and/or Canada Pension Plan and/or 66.0% Disagree and35.5% strongly disagree Quebec Pension Plan Quebec Pension Plan Employment income
Government transfers
5.7% Strongly agree and agree 21.4% Neutral Alberni Valley 2016 72.9% Disagree and strongly disagree
28.5%
12.0%
21.8%
12.0%
10.5%
9.0%
11.2%
10.6%
13.6%
14.4%
15.7%
The gap between the rich and poor is closing in the Alberni Valley
65.7%
+
k
99
,9
$1 9
$2 0k
11 2011
Community Voices3
10.5%
Child Benefits
25 k
21.1%
$1
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
Market income
10.0%
Government transfers
Canada Pension Plan and/or Quebec Pension Plan
60
18.5%
16.4%
22.0%
35.5%
99
10%
-$
79 ,9 $8 99 0k Government , 99transfers -$ $4 9 99 0k ,9 -$ 99 $ 10 59 0 , 99 $6 k -$ 9 0k 12 -$ 5k 79 , 9 $8 99 $1 0k 25 -$ k + 99 ,9 99 $1 00 k -$ 12 $0 5k -$ 19 $1 ,9 $2 99 25 0 k k + -$ 39 ,9 99 $4 0k -$ $0 59 -$ ,9 19 99 $ 60 ,9 $2 99 13.5% k -$ 0k 79 -$ 10.8% ,9 39 99 ,9 $8 99 022.0% $4 k -$ 0k 99 -$ 16.4% ,9 59 99 ,9 $1 99 18.5% $6 00 0k k -$ -$ 15.7% 12 79 5k ,9 99 14.4% $8 0k $1 -$ 13.6% 25 99 k + ,9 9 9 10.6% $1 00 k 11.2% -$ 12 5k 9.0%
10.8%
13.5%
Rich and poor Rich and poor
20%
10.0%
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
10.0%
Employment Insurance (EI) be
21.1%
Child Benefits
21.1%
Child Benefits
16
Learning 74.0% 70.1+19.3+10.6 56.0%
13.2
%
56.0%
44.7
%
High school completion rate
13.2%
13.2%
60.9%of population 44.7% Percentage with post-secondary
60.9%
In the Alberni Valley, 44.7% of the population 15 years and older has post-secondary education. This is an increase from 2015’s rate of 43.9%. This indicator has been increasing every year since 2001. Provincially, 55.0% of the population 15 years and older has post-secondary.1
has increased, from 41.7% in 2013-2014 to 56.0% in 2016-2017. This compares to 66.0% provincially.35
60.9%
Education in the trades
the province, at 8.8%, and the country, at 9.8%.1
44.7 70.1+19.3+10.6 Aboriginal high school completion rate 60.9+39.1 The six-year high school completion rate for Aboriginal students %
60.9%
In the Alberni Valley, 13.2% of the population ages 15 and over
60.9+39.1
56.0%
44.7%
60.9% has an education in the trades. This is significantly higher than
Data from the British Columbia Ministry of Education demonstrates that the six-year high school completion rate has remained nearly unchanged, from % 74.3% in 2013-2014 to 74.0%% % 74.0 56.0 13.2 35 60.9+39.1 in 2016-2017. This compares to 84.0% provincially.
0%
%
74.0%
Transition to post-secondary
$4261
Average annual cost of undergraduate university tuition
LearningLearning The post-secondary transition rate provides the proportion of high school graduates that transition to a post-secondary institute within three years of graduation. 60.9% of School District #70 students who graduated in 2011/2012 transition to postsecondary, compared to 59.9% provincially.35
Vancouver Island University is the closest public university. Tuition has increased since our last report: it was $4095 in 20142015, and was $4261 for the 2017-2018 academic year.36
Community Voices3
In the past year, I have increased my own well-being and life satisfaction by learning
There are adequate opportunities for learning in the Alberni Valley
70.1% Strongly agree and agree 19.3% Neutral 10.6% Disagree and strongly disagree
45.6% Strongly agree and agree 32.0% Neutral 22.4% Disagree and strongly disagree 17
Recreation
Community Voices3
We asked Alberni Valley residents how they use their leisure time. In the last 12 months...
85,341
Admissions to recreation facilities
In 2017, 85,341 visits to recreation facilities were recorded by the City of Port Alberni. That’s 3.4 visits per person in the Alberni Valley. In 2014, City recreation facilities saw 94,592 visits.37
85.4%
Visited a park or recreation centre
67.8%
Visited a farmer’s market
66.5%
Donated to a cause
140+ Trail, in km
60.5%
There are at least 140km of trail in the Alberni Valley. Trails have been built on land owned by the City of Port Alberni, the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, and on private and industrial land.38
Provided unpaid help to a non-family member
55.8%
Volunteered time to an organization
53.7%
Visited the library
52 Sunshine Club activities offered
52.8%
Visited a heritage site
The Sunshine Club is a social club for people 50 years and greater. Members, who pay an annual due of $70, can participate in any of the 52 activities that are regularly scheduled.37
48.1%
Participated in a sports or hobby group
41.6%
5 Number of registered non-profits dedicated to recreation There are 5 registered non-profits in the Alberni Valley that focus on recreation, including the Alberni Athletic Association, the Port Alberni Gymnasium Association, and the Port Alberni Youth Centre Society.7 18
Signed a petition
37.8%
Attended a cultural or ethnic event put on by a different cultural or ethnic group than their own
Safety
Crime severity index, per 100,000 population The crime severity rate reflects both the number and relative seriousness of crimes reported to the police.39
Overall crime rate, per 100,000 population39 24k 24k
200 200
18k 18k
150 150
12k 12k
100 100
6k6k
5050
2002 2002 British Columbia
2007 2007
2012 2012
Canada
6,009.8 Property crime rate, Canada Canada
2017 2017
2002 2002
Port Alberni - municipal
Port Alberni - municipal Port Alberni - municipal British Columbia British Columbia Canada Canada Port Alberni - Municipal Port Alberni - Municipal
Safety 2017 - 6006.3 - 6006.3 per 2017 100,000 population
2012 2012 - 6458.8 - 6458.8 Property crime rates in the Alberni Valley 2007 2007 - 7707.2 - 7707.2 have2002 been increasing 2002 - 8314.7 - 8314.7 since 2014, when it was 4,844. In 2017, the Port Alberni municipal property crime rate was 6,009.8 British British Columbia Columbia per 100,000 while Port Alberni 2017 2017 - 8262.8 -population, 8262.8 rural2012 was 2,030.5. Across BC, the rate has 2012 - 9061.8 - 9061.8 stayed relatively stable since 2014, and in 2007 2007 - 11752.7 - 11752.7 2017 the provincial rate was 4,814.5.39 2002 2002 - 12640.4 - 12640.4
Community Voices Safety 2007 2007
2012 2012
Port Port Alberni Alberni - municipal - municipal 3 2017 2017 - 12772.9 - 12772.9 2012 2012 - 14334.5 - 14334.5 The Alberni Valley is a safe community. 2007 2007 - 20975.3 - 20975.3 32.5% Strongly agree and agree 2002 2002 - 18774.3 - 18774.3 23.2% Neutral 44.3% Port Port Alberni Alberni - rural - rural Disagree and strongly disagree 2017 2017 - 5882.4 - 5882.4 2012 2012 - 5492.6 - 5492.6 2007 2007 - 7915.6 - 7915.6 There are-adequate 2002 2002 8504.6 - 8504.6 crime prevention measures in place here.
2017 2017
Safety
Port Alberni - Rural
115.5 Sexual assault rate, per 100,000 population
In 2017, the Alberni Valley’s sexual assault rate was 115.5, compared to 56.2 for British Columbia and 67.2 for Canada. Caution should be taken, though: the majority of sexual assaults are not reported, so obtaining an accurate number is difficult.39
12 Number of beds in women’s and children’s transition house There are 12 beds for women and children in the transition house operated by the Alberni Community and Women’s Service’s Society. In the 2017-2018 fiscal 24k year, the Transition House provided 1,737 nights of bed stays for women and children at risk of or fleeing domestic violence.40 18k
19
12k
24k
20.6% Strongly agree and agree 23.7% Neutral 55.7% Disagree and 200
18k
150
strongly disagree
The Alberni Valley is prepared for a large-scale emergency, such as an 12k earthquake or a tsunami.
100
46.9% Strongly agree and agree 50 26.3% Neutral 200 26.8% Disagree and
6k
2002
2007
strongly disagree
2012150 100
2017
20
24.1%
Seniors 24.1%
13.9%
There are 2 senior-specific physicians in the Alberni Valley: a gerontologist and a geripsychiatrist. This has not changed 13.9+86.1 since 2015.41
27.4%
Senior population
197 Residential care beds There are 197 residential care beds in the Alberni Valley, an increase of 5 beds since 2015. Residential care provides 24-hour professional supervision and care.42
24.1%
13.9%
100% increase Senior population projection 13.9+86.1
% 16.1+18.4+65.5 27.4
Percentage of senior population living alone
As in our 2015 report, 27.4% of the senior population lives alone. Seniors who live alone often report higher rates of social isolation than seniors who live with someone else. Across BC, 25.7% of seniors live alone.25
Over the next 20 years, the population 75 years old and greater is predicted to double, from 2,505 to more than 5,000.25
13.9%
27.4%
2 Senior-specific physicians
Nearly one-quarter of the Alberni Valley’s Lorem ipsum population, or 24.1%, is comprised of seniors ages 65 years and greater. This a significant increase from 2011, when 3.9+86.1 is20.1% of the population was 65 years and greater. Provincially, 18.3% of the population is 65 years and greater.1
4.1%
13.9%
Power of People
27.4% Senior poverty rate
Intergenerational programs are those that include children, youth, and seniors. These programs allow kids and seniors to develop fun, meaningful relationships. One such program is the Treasure Our Young Ones Childcare Centre (?iiḥmisuk t̓aatn̓a?is), run by the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. The program integrates two Elders into the childcare setting, and the Elders share their knowledge and teachings as well as the Nuu Chah Nulth language. The program is beneficial for the children, who meet caring adults, and for the Elders, who are able to share their life experiences and language. Win-win!
Senior poverty rates are increasing across the province, and the Alberni Valley is no exception. Currently, 13.9% of seniors have after-tax income below the low-income measure. Interestingly, 16.9% of senior women live in poverty in the Alberni Valley, compared to 10.8% of senior men. Across the province, 14.9% of seniors live in poverty.1 Note: This is not directly comparable to the data in our 2015 report, which uses a different measure of poverty. We have opted to use the low-income measure, after-tax, in all of our reporting about poverty
20
35 20
Single fa
% 32%
Work & Economy
% % 48.2% 10.2% Employment and
unemployment rates
There has been little change in employment or unemployment rates since 2011. Data from the 2016 census notes that the employment rate has risen from 46.0% to 48.2%, and unemployment has decreased from 10.4% to 10.2%. Provincially, the employment rate is 59.6% and the unemployment rate is 6.7%.1
474 Annual average EI benefits beneficiaries
1,400 Number of self-employed individuals
In the Alberni Valley, an average of 474 people received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits per month in 2017, a slight decrease from 480 in 2015. This represents 4.2% of the labour force. In British Columbia, 2.1% of the labour force also received EI benefits in 2017.43
There are 1,400 self-employed individuals in the Alberni Valley, comprising 12.4% of the labour force. Provincially 13.9% of the labour force is self-employed, and 11.8% of the national labour force is self-employed.1
Community Voices Work Work & & Econom Econ & Economy 3
$49,479 Median employment income
Ample entry-level job opportunities exist in the Alberni Valley.
The median full-time, full-year employment income in the Alberni Valley is $49,479, with men earning nearly $10,000 more, at $58,340, and women earning $8000 less, at 41,310. In British Columbia, the median employment income is $53,940, or $61,004 for men and $47,039 for women.1 93
Number of new business licenses44 *2018 data is for January – June due to publication deadlines.
17.6+27.8+54.6
58
9 58
78*
2016
2017
Ample professional job opportunities exist in the Alberni Valley.
2018
*2018 data is for January – June due to publication deadlines.
21
Strongly agree and agree 12.0% 27.8% Neutral 22.1% Disagree and strongly disagree 65.9%
17.6% 54.6%
17.6+27.8+54.617.6+27.8+54.6
2016
20
*2018 data is for Ja publication
Sources 24. BC Stats, Vital Statistics, Local Health Area 70 (Alberni)
1.
Statistics Canada, Census 2016 – Port Alberni [Census Agglomeration], British Columbia, and Canada
2.
Statistics Canada, National Household Survey 2011 – Port Alberni [Census Agglomeration], British Columbia, and Canada
3.
Alberni Valley Community Foundation, 2018 Vital Signs Survey
27. City of Port Alberni, City Council Meeting Minutes, February 13, 2017
4.
Vancouver Island Regional Library (Personal correspondence with Branch Manager)
5.
Canada Council for the Arts, Grant and Prize Recipients – All, https://canadacouncil.ca/ about/public-accountability/proactive-disclosure/grant-recipients/recipients-all
28. British Columbia Coroners Service, Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC, 2008-2018
6.
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey, 2013-2016
7.
Canadian Revenue Agency, Charities Listing, July 2018
8.
Statistics Canada, Financial Data and Charitable Donations, 2016
9.
Elections BC, Provincial General Elections, Provincial Voting Results 2017
25. Island Health, Local Health Area Profile 70 (Alberni), 2015 26. Port Alberni Divisions of Family Practice (personal correspondence)
29. Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Market Statistics May 2018 30. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Primary Rental Market Data 31. Province of British Columbia, Preliminary Data Report: 2018 Homeless Count in BC, 4.8 Port Alberni 32. BC Housing, Homelessness Services, Emergency Housing Map
10. Elections Canada, Report on the 42nd General Election of October 19, 2015
33. Living Wage for Families, Living Wages in BC and Canada
11. First Call BC, First Call’s 2017 BC Child Poverty Report Card and BC Child Poverty Maps
34. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Working for a Living Wage 2018
12. University of British Columbia, Human Early Learning Partnership, Early Development Instrument Wave 6 (2013-2016), School District #70
35. British Columbia, Ministry of Education, District Reports, Alberni (70)
13. University of British Columbia, Human Early Learning Partnership, Middle Years Development Instrument, 2017-2018 School District #70
37. City of Port Alberni (Personal correspondence with Parks, Recreation and Heritage staff)
36. Universities Canada, Facts and Stats, Tuition fees by university
14. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Historical Weather Data, Port Alberni
38. Valley of Trails Short, Medium, Long Trails
15. City of Port Alberni (Personal correspondence with Development Services staff)
39. Statistics Canada, Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, Canada, British Columbia, Port Alberni – municipal, Port Alberni – rural
16. Alberni Clayoquot Regional District (Personal correspondence with Environmental Services Coordinator)
40. Alberni Community and Women’s Services
17. Cherry Creek Waterworks District (Personal correspondence with Administrator)
41. West Coast General Hospital
18. BC Centre for Disease Control (2018). Food Costing in BC 2017: Assessing the affordability of healthy eating. Vancouver, B.C.: BC Centre for Disease Control, Population and Public Health Program
42. Island Health, Home and Community Care, Residential Care 43. Central 1, BC Employment Insurance Trends, May 2018
19. University of British Columbia, Human Early Learning Partnership, Middle Years Development Instrument, 2017-2018 School District #70
44. City of Port Alberni (Personal correspondence with Economic Development Assistant)
20. Alberni Valley Transition Town Society, Alberni Valley Farm Directory
Photo sources
21. Personal correspondence with ADSS Breakfast Club Coordinator (Mel Burton can be reached at 250-723-6251 x.2430), Alberni Valley Community School Coordinator, Alberni Valley Neighbourlink Society Read & Feed Coordinator, Bread of Life Operations Manager, Canadian Mental Health Association - Port Alberni branch Executive Director , EJ Dunn Backpack Program volunteer, Grace Point Church Pastor, Island Health, Jericho Road Mobile Outreach volunteers, KUU-US Crisis Line Society Executive Director, Port Alberni Friendship Centre Early Years Program Coordinator, Port Alberni Shelter Society Executive Director, Salvation Army Captain, Vincent de Paul volunteer
Cover: Charmead Schella Pages 6, 12, 13, 21: Alberni Valley News Pages 5, 7, 18: Erica Watson Page 8: Alberni Valley Early Years Centre Page 9: Tanner McIntyre
22. Island Health (Personal correspondence with Community Nutritionist)
Page 11: Literacy Alberni Society
23. University of Victoria, Canadian Institute for Substance Abuse Research, 2016
Pages 14, 15: Susie Quinn All other images provided by the Alberni Valley Community Foundation.
22
When
About the Alberni Valley Community Foundation
The Foundation was formed in 1995 with contributions from MacMillan Bloedel, the Vancouver Foundation, and local donors. In 1997, the first community grants were funded. In 2018, the Foundation holds approximately $1,000,000. The income that this money generates is distributed to community charities annually. Please visit www.albernifoundation.ca for granting information.
Who
Where
The Alberni Valley Community Foundation (AVCF) is one of 191 community foundations across Canada. Community foundations act as community bank accounts, investing donated funds, allowing the principal to grow in perpetuity, and donating the interest earned annually to the community. The AVCF is governed by a board of eight, who are appointed by a local committee representing municipal and First Nations government, education, business, and labour.
The AVCF serves the entirety of the Alberni Valley, including lands administered by the City of Port Alberni, the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, and First Nations.
Why The AVCF exists to satisfy the community and our donors.
Community
What
Organizations apply for grants to help fund local projects. The Foundation has established broad and flexible criteria, enabling it to support a wide array of community needs.
The Alberni Valley Community Foundation: • Invests in the future of the community by creating and managing funds. All gifts from donors go into permanent endowments.
Donors
• Provides grants to local charities to improve our shared quality of life.
People want to be sure that their dollars are used wisely, where they can do the most good. Donors may choose to support a favorite cause or they may ask the Foundation to distribute the income according to emerging needs.
• Addresses community needs and opportunities. • Ensures the integrity of funds and the wishes of donors are respected.
23
THANK YOU
CONTACT
Thank you to all of the survey respondents, photo contest entrants, subject matter experts, and other individuals that contributed to this report. You are deeply appreciated.
Alberni Valley Community Foundation 3100 Kingsway Avenue Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3B1 Phone: 250-724-4503 Email: info@albernifoundation.ca Website: albernifoundation.ca